Symbolic Battle in Benoa Bay Reclamation Bali Indonesia

Abstract: Bali as a well-known tourist destination in the world, began to bother with the reclamation plan that announced by the government based on PERPRES No.51 of 2014 on urban areas spatial planning of Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan, where the government would make Benoa Bay revitalization related to its space utilization. The reclamation plans raises the pros and cons. This research aimed to describe the forms, strategies, and the factors that led to symbolic battles that occur in Bali society because of Benoa bay reclamation. The method used in this research is qualitative descriptive. This research aims to provide an overview of the symbolic battle that occurred on Bali Benoa bay reclamation based on the observation in printed media or online media. Conclusions of this research shows that the symbolic battle that occurs due to Benoa bay reclamation plan carried out by the dominant group (orthodoxa) by using the recognition form of one meaning, logic, perspective, and certain value that is PERPRES No.51 of 2014. While opponents (heterodoxa) denial by providing unnoticed rules by the dominant group (orthodoxa) and conduct mass actions to oppose the dominant group. The strategy taken by dominant group (orthodoxa) in symbolic battle are euphemization and sensorization by giving reclamation advantages as reason such as additional tourism accommodation and employment. Whereas previously orthodoxa group issued circular letter requesting the temporary suspension of tourism accommodation construction for the Southern of Bali area i. e. Gianyar regency, Badung and Denpasar city because overcapacity. Therefore, the commitment of orthodoxa group in Benoa bay reclamation needs to be asked again. The factors that cause symbolic battle are differences in interests between orthodoxa group and heterodoxa group. The dominant group (orthodoxa) considering it important to reclamation because there are social and economic value that can improve the lives of the Balinese people. Meanwhile, according to opponents (heterodoxa) that reclamation can interfere social and cultural life, namely the Tri Hita Karana that could be catastrophic for the Balinese people as result of disrupted existing balance and harmony.

Keywords: Reclamation, Symbolic Battle

Edition: Volume 6 Issue 3, March 2017,

Pages: 744 - 749